They conquered elementary school, this year's Young Entrepreneurs Academy, and next up? The world.

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Grace Huberty, 11, Fuzzeebank

How do you balance school with being the CEO of a company?

It's really hard, but when I get all of my homework done, I work on my business. I also work on it over the weekends.

What do your classmates think of what you're doing?

They think it's really cool, and my language arts teacher even asked me to talk about my experience in class. I gots lots of questions and "cool!"s.

How did you come up with the idea for the Fuzzeebank?

The thing about my brother is that I don't trust him. I also love stuffed animals. I figured this would be the perfect way to hide money from him, and make a really cute stuffed animal.

What do you want to do when you grow up?

If I'm not busy being the CEO of Fuzzeebank, I'd really love to be a science, creative arts, or language arts teacher. I am also considering being a botanist, because I love nature, or maybe even an interior designer.

Who do you admire?

There are so many people that I look up to. But one person would definitely be my mom. There are so many reasons to look up to her. She's a language arts teacher, and she's the one who inspires me to be a teacher. She's always kind and really smart. My dad is smart and funny and nice and he has a lot of work and he gets it all done—usually with time to spare to hang out with me.

What advice do you have for other kids who want to start a business?

Follow your dream. No matter how impossible it may seem, just keep working at it.

What was your experience at the Young Entrepreneurs Academy like?

I can't even begin to describe how much fun it was. Yeah, it was a lot of hard work and research, but with so many people to help you through it, it feels easier. And it's all worth it when you have your own business!

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Yasmine Mohamed, 11, Balloonies

How do you balance school with being the CEO of a company?

Budgeting my time is key. I have about a six-hour window between when school ends and when I have to go to bed!

What do your classmates think of your business?

They love the idea and I have inspired some of them to start their own businesses. People think it's very hard, but it isn't!

How did you come up with the idea for the Balloonies?

My mom had this balloon hobby about 15 years ago, but she had a job, so it was too much for her to handle. I wanted to follow in my mom's footsteps!

How did you make your idea a reality?

With my passion for balloons and great support from family, friends, teachers, and the Young Entrepreneurs Academy. But, most importantly, dreams!

What do you want to do when you grow up?

I want to get my PhD in business, and maybe be on the TV show Shark Tank! Living in New York City would be nice, too.

Who do you admire?

I admire anyone who has the guts to start their own business! And Gayle, the CEO of YEA—she made my dreams come true. Last but not least, Mark Cuban from Shark Tank. I would love to meet him one day!

What advice do you have for other kids who want to start a business?

Don't let people tell you you can't. Hearing "can't" should make you want it more and prove them wrong. You can be anything you want to be and attitude is everything!

My Life

Meet 2 Inspiring Girls Who Started Their Own Companies—At Just 11 Years Old!

They conquered elementary school, this year's Young Entrepreneurs Academy, and next up? The world.

We love that in our startup-friendly culture, kids are encouraged to build companies like their parents were encouraged to build forts. If you have a brilliant idea, you can find backers, design a website, and launch your idea. But what if you're too young to build an email address, much less a business? That's where Young Entrepreneurs Academy comes in. The year-long programs teaches young students—like, super young—to successfully launch their own ventures, which they present at an annual competition that grants winners mentorships, funding, and more.

Surely you've read (or read about) Sheryl Sandberg's bestseller Lean In? It's kind of like that, but for kids. We talked to two of this year's top winners about how they came up with their business ideas and what they want to do when they grow up (which is way off, since they're only 11!).